The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, specifically section 43528, to update regulations regarding bear hunting licenses in Michigan. It stipulates that individuals must possess a bear hunting license to hunt bears, although those accompanying a licensed hunter without a firearm, bow, or crossbow, and who do not own dogs for bear tracking, are exempt from this requirement. The bill also clarifies that only individuals holding a valid base license are eligible to purchase a bear hunting license, which has been adjusted to a fee of $25.00. Additionally, the bill introduces a nonrefundable application fee of up to $5.00 for bear hunting license applicants.

Furthermore, the bill establishes eligibility for a bear participation license for individuals who chase or locate bears with dogs during the open season, allowing them to purchase this license for a fee of $15.00. It also introduces a new bear backup hunting license, available to those with a valid base license, which permits the holder to accompany a licensed bear hunter and shoot a bear that has already been wounded. The fees for this backup license are set at $50.00 for residents and $250.00 for nonresidents, and it is valid for the entire bear season, usable an unlimited number of times, and applicable in all bear management units in the state.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.43528